Introduction to India’s Population Growth: Historical Shifts and Modern Trends

India’s demographic landscape has witnessed distinct phases of population growth, shaped by historical, social, and economic factors. The early years were marked by slow growth, reflective of a predominantly agrarian society. The mid-20th century saw a significant acceleration, fueled by improved healthcare and a decline in mortality rates. Subsequently, contemporary trends reflect a transition towards stabilizing population dynamics, indicative of evolving societal norms and developmental strides.

Decadal Growth Rates in India, 1901-2011 

Table: Historical Phases of Population Growth

• Future Projection: The World Development Report projects India’s population to reach 1,350 million by 2025.
• Variation in Growth Rates: The country shows a wide variation in growth rates from one region to another.

Regional Variation in Population Growth

• 1991-2001: Slow Growth in Southern States vs. Robust Expansion in the West-to-East Belt
  • Low growth rates (below 20% over the decade) in Southern states: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Puducherry, and Goa.
    • Kerala had the lowest growth rate in the country at 9.4%.
  • High growth rates (20-25%) in a belt from west to east covering: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
• 2001-2011 (Refer to Figure): Decelerating Growth Trends Across States
  • Almost all states and UTs had lower growth rates compared to the previous decade.
  • Among the six most populous states, all showed a decline in population growth rate, with the most significant decline in Maharashtra by 6.7 percentage points.
  • Contrarily, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry showed growth rate increases during this period.

India – Growth of Population

Government Initiatives: Youth for Sustainable Development amid Population Growth Challenges 

• National Youth Policy (NYP-2014): It was launched in February 2014 with the vision of empowering the youth for the nation’s better position globally, considering the context of population growth.
• The Policy defined ‘youth’ as individuals aged 15-29 years.
  • National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2015): Aims at aligning skilling activities to standards and demand centers
• National Youth policy 2021: NYP seeks to catalyze widespread action on youth development on five priority areas viz. education; employment & entrepreneurship; youth leadership & development; health, fitness & sports; and social justice.

Also Read: Population Dynamics: Distribution, Density, & Growth In India

Conclusion
India’s demographic landscape, this essay navigates historical phases and current challenges of population growth. From stagnant periods to a population explosion, the narrative highlights the nuanced shifts. Examining government initiatives and policies, the essay underscores the crucial intersection of population growth in shaping India’s societal landscape.